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Manny Machado Topic

Call it homerism if you want, but I'm really surprised people don't talk more about this guy. Gold Glove caliber defense at 3B and at 20 years old is currently leading the majors with 97 hits. He's on pace for 70 doubles (no player has hit 60 since 1936).

I do think Trout's better, but Machado should at least be in the discussion. I'd take Machado in a heartbeat over Harper.

Machado's defense helps him but you can't just count hits without counting outs. Sure, he leads the league in hits right now but he also leads in at bats and plate appearances and is 4th in outs made. I'd hate to see him peak now and decline from here. It's hard to improve and sustain greatness without better plate discipline. Isn't that one of your issues with Adam Jones? He's young, though, and I hope he's going to be great. I'd still take Harper now.

Posted by trsnoke on 6/18/2013 3:25:00 PM (view original):Machado's defense helps him but you can't just count hits without counting outs. Sure, he leads the league in hits right now but he also leads in at bats and plate appearances and is 4th in outs made. I'd hate to see him peak now and decline from here. It's hard to improve and sustain greatness without better plate discipline. Isn't that one of your issues with Adam Jones? He's young, though, and I hope he's going to be great. I'd still take Harper now.

A .354 OBP is still above league average (and extremely valuable when combined with a near .500 SLG and great infield defense). I'd take Harper too but I doubt this is Machado's peak. 20 year olds in the majors having this much success tend to go on to be superstars.